Obituary of Shirley Ellen (Barger) Toner

On October 24, 2023, our mother, Shirley Ellen (Barger) Toner passed away peacefully in her sleep, her daughters and her beloved cat, Annie, close by.  She is now at peace after her journey home.  

 

She had many, many interests and explored each with zest.  She dove right into new technology, being one of the first to test the new Microsoft Office software and give it her approval.  Our mother loved credit unions; she was on the Board of Directors at Westop Credit Union for many years, going further to become a development educator teaching about credit unions.  She managed the office at Olympia Cheese Company for 20 years before moving to the Department of Retirement Systems, and later retired.

 

Mom loved adventures.  She was an avid hiker/camper, forever searching for a new place to explore, often riding motorcycles for the trip.  She loved to ski, spending many weekends on the slopes; she was a ski instructor.  Mom was an ambitious golfer, especially while living on Lake Limerick's golf course in Shelton.  She loved spending time with her family and friends, and looking for more adventures.

 

Our Mom made many contributions to the community.  She was always involved in a cause and jumped into each with both feet.  She did fundraising and volunteer work, giving her all.  She was so giving and loved to help everyone.  She was a talented and inspiring woman.  She wanted to share her talents with the world…and she did.

 

We were so blessed to have our Mom.  She loved us so much, but what she didn't know is she was the sunshine in our lives.  She always seemed invincible.  She made our lives special, as she did those around her; that was her way.

 

She is survived by her daughters, Terese Bair (and Dave); Tracie Ireland (and Rolland); Barbara Hobkirk; and Lori Chenoweth.  She was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Edward Toner. 

 

Per our Mom's wishes, she opted for no service.  We will be laying our Mother and Father to rest in our family's section in the Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla, Washington, with a small gathering of family.

 

Thanks to all of you who loved her; she was an amazing wife, mother and friend.  Goodbye our beloved Mother, you will always be in our hearts and, when we think of you, we will smile.  You will always be with us Mom, until we meet again.

 

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.

 

 

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Toner, please visit Tribute Store